The club was formed in 2004 after Councillor Mark Perks, project coordinator for residents’ group “Astley Village Action” submitted a bid to the Football Foundation to help set up up a football development programme to run in the village. The aim was to provide opportunities for young people in the village and surrounding area to take up football and to establish a local football club and with a number of teams.  The village at the time lacked in sporting facilities and with the Youth Club closing also there was a real need to provide something for the residents.

The Football Foundation awarded the group £5,500 in May 2004 and plans were put in place to start up a Junior and Youth Football Club, and Astley Village Junior Football Club was formed. Based on the ages for participants of the sessions held at the Youth Club Mark was able to determine which teams would be the first to be developed. With the closure of the Youth Club and the loss of the Lancashire Youth and Community Services input, Mark and his colleagues from Astley Village Action decided it would be more beneficial to begin by aiming the programme at 6 to 11 year olds.

During the first year 73 coaching and training sessions were provided in the form of Saturday morning coaching / mini games sessions, school holiday football activities and football outreach delivered at three local primary schools. Over 1000 young people attended one or more of the activities organised.

As in 2004 the club looks to make real positive impact in the local community, allowing children to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through sport and helping to build a sustainable society by forming strong links with communities.

Astley & Buckshaw Junior Football Club has gone from strength to strength and now has over 40 qualified coaches supporting over 350 children to play football each week.  In recent years the club has launched the clubs first female team and also helped launch the Westway Sports hub as a Partner Club with Chorley Council and other partner clubs.